2 August 2024
Ringworm in Cats: Treatment and Symptoms
Ringworm in cats is one of the highly contagious skin diseases among cats. Cat ringworm fungus can spread through direct contact with infected cats' skin, hair, or contaminated items in the environment. Despite its high contagiousness, cats can fully recover from ringworm with proper treatment and care.
What is Ringworm?
Ringworm is a skin disease caused by a fungal infection. It is commonly transmitted among cats. Although not immediately life-threatening, these symptoms can cause significant distress to cats in terms of their appearance and health. Additionally, humans can also be infected with ringworm, so appropriate protective measures should be taken when handling cats with the condition.
Transmission Routes of Cat Ringworm
Direct Contact: Cat ringworm can spread through direct contact between cats. When one cat has ringworm, the fungus can be transmitted to another cat through contact such as sharing food, water, or playing together.
Environmental Transmission: Cat ringworm fungus can survive in the environment for a period of time, such as on cat bedding, floors, carpets, furniture, and other surfaces. If an infected cat has come into contact with these contaminated surfaces, other cats can become infected after contact.
Symptoms of Cat Ringworm
When cats are infected with ringworm, they may exhibit the following characteristics:
Skin Lesions: Ringworm typically presents as localized skin lesions, most commonly found on the head, ears, neck, and limbs. The affected areas show patchy hair loss, redness, swelling, itchiness, and may have scales or crusts.
Hair Loss: Infected skin may experience hair loss.
Itchiness and Discomfort: Ringworm can cause itching and discomfort at the affected site. Cats may continuously lick, bite, or scratch the infected skin.
Skin Inflammation: Infected skin may display redness, heat, and inflammation. The skin may become rough, dry, or flaky.
Contagiousness: Cat ringworm is a contagious disease, so if multiple cats live in the same environment, the infection can spread rapidly between them.
It is important to note that the symptoms of ringworm can vary depending on the cat's immune status and the severity of the infection. Even without symptoms, these cats can still transmit the ringworm fungus to other cats and humans.
Methods of Treating Cat Ringworm
If you discover that your cat has been infected with cat ringworm, it is important not to self-medicate with ringworm creams. Instead, seek professional veterinary treatment for a complete recovery. In general, with proper veterinary treatment, cats can recover from ringworm within 1 to 2 months.
The following are the processes and methods involved in treating cat ringworm:
Medication: The veterinarian will prescribe creams, oral medications, or medicated baths based on the severity of the ringworm infection.
Shaving of Hair: The veterinarian may shave the infected areas and use Elizabethan collars to prevent the cat from licking or biting the affected areas.
Owners need to observe their cats' condition daily and administer the prescribed medications as instructed by the veterinarian until complete recovery, reducing the chances of ringworm recurrence.
Preventive Measures for Cat Ringworm
Regular Inspection and Cleaning: Regularly inspect your cat's skin and fur, paying attention to any signs of abnormalities or itchiness. Clean and groom your cat's fur regularly to remove any existing fungal spores and debris.
Maintain a Clean Environment: Regularly clean and disinfect your cat's living environment, including cat beds, litter boxes, and other frequently touched surfaces. Use suitable cleaning agents that can effectively kill fungal spores.
Separate Eating Utensils: If there are other cats, the infected cat should have separate food and water bowls to minimize transmission.
Avoid Contact with Infected Cats: If you know that other cats have ringworm, avoid allowing your cat to come into contact with them to reduce the risk of transmission.
Regular Check-ups and Vaccinations: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups for your cat and ensure they receive necessary vaccinations.
Personal Hygiene: After handling a cat with ringworm, it is essential to maintain good personal hygiene. Wash your hands and change clothing to prevent fungal spores from attaching to your skin or being carried to other places.
Common Questions about Cat Ringworm Treatment
Which cats are more susceptible to ringworm?
Cats with weakened immune systems, such as young kittens, senior cats, or those with pre-existing illnesses, are more prone to ringworm. Ensure your cat has proper nutrition, adequate rest, and moderate exercise to boost their immune system.
Can humans get infected with Cat ringworm?
Cat ringworm is a zoonotic disease, which means humans can also get infected with it. When in contact with an infected cat, humans can contract the ringworm fungus through direct contact with the cat's skin, hair, or contaminated environmental objects. Symptoms of ringworm in humans typically include circular red patches, itchiness, and hair loss. If you develop these symptoms after contact with an infected cat, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.
Can I discontinue medication for my cat if the ringworm seems to have healed?
Strictly following the veterinarian's instructions for administering antifungal medication is crucial for treating ringworm. Even if the symptoms of ringworm have disappeared, the cat may still carry the ringworm fungus, and premature discontinuation of medication can lead to reinfection and recurrence of ringworm. If you have any concerns, feel free to contact your veterinarian. They will provide advice based on your cat's condition to ensure a complete recovery and minimize the risk of recurrence.
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2 August 2024
Cat Vomits Yellow Liquid and Treatment
"If my cat vomits and the vomit is yellow, is that normal?" Cat vomiting yellow liquid can be caused by various reasons. This article will provide you with a detailed analysis of the reasons behind cat vomiting, the differences in colors, as well as handling and preventive measures. This will help cat owners quickly respond correctly when faced with a cat vomiting yellow liquid.
Common Causes of Cat Vomiting
Vomiting is a natural response in cats, and they use it to get rid of discomfort and uneasiness in their bodies. However, cat vomiting can be caused by many different factors, including the following:
Gastrointestinal disorders
Gastrointestinal diseases such as gastroenteritis, biliary tract diseases, and stomach ulcers can all cause vomiting. When bile refluxes into the cat's stomach, it can lead to the occurrence of vomiting yellow liquid.
Hairball
Cats have a natural habit of grooming and cleaning their fur. If the ingested hair cannot be fully digested and forms a hairball in the stomach, it can cause vomiting when the hairball blocks the cat's stomach or irritates the stomach wall.
Dietary issues
Poor eating habits such as eating too quickly, eating too much at once, or having long periods of fasting can burden the stomach and lead to indigestion and acid reflux. In addition, unsuitable foods such as high-fat or high-sugar human food can also stimulate vomiting in cats.
Ingestion of foreign objects
If a curious cat accidentally swallows something it shouldn't, such as thread or plastic bags, these foreign objects can block or irritate the cat's digestive tract, triggering a vomiting response, and the vomit may contain unusual colors.
What Do Different Colors of Cat Vomit Mean?
After a cat vomits, we can obtain some clues about potential health issues by observing the color of the vomit. Here are the different meanings of vomit colors:
Yellow or yellow-green
Yellow vomit in cats may be the color of gastric fluid, indicating the presence of stomach acid in the vomit. This may suggest that the cat's stomach is inflamed or experiencing digestive problems. Mild digestive issues could be related to dietary changes, eating too quickly, or mild gastrointestinal inflammation.
Clear or white
This usually indicates that the vomit primarily consists of saliva, which may be due to minor stomach irritation or simply the cat's physiological response. If the cat only occasionally vomits clear or white liquid and is otherwise behaving normally, there is no need to worry too much.
Red or bloody
This is a more serious condition and may indicate the presence of blood in the vomit. The color of the blood can be bright red or dark red. This could be caused by gastric ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, esophageal rupture, or other severe health problems, and immediate medical attention is required.
What To Do When Cat Is Vomiting Water?
If your cat continues to vomit yellow liquid or if the condition worsens, it is best to consult a veterinarian for a detailed diagnosis and treatment. Before seeking veterinary care, it is important to prepare the following information to assist the veterinarian in quickly diagnosing the cat's vomiting issue:
Frequency and timing: Observe the frequency and timing of the cat's yellow liquid vomiting. Keep a record of how often the vomiting occurs and whether there is a specific pattern in the timing.
Appearance of vomit: Observe the color, consistency, and odor of the vomit. Take note of the presence of blood, food remnants, liquid, or any other unusual substances.
Eating habits: Observe the cat's appetite. Pay attention to any decreased appetite, refusal to eat, or changes in eating habits.
Digestive condition: Monitor the cat's bowel movements. Note any diarrhea, constipation, or other digestive issues.
Behavior: Observe any abnormal changes in the cat's behavior. Take note if the cat appears lethargic, depressed, or exhibits any other unusual behaviors.
Health information: Inform the veterinarian about any medications the cat is currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or supplements.
Environmental changes: Pay attention to whether the cat has recently experienced any environmental changes such as moving to a new location, the arrival of a new pet, or changes in household members.
Preventive Measures for Cat Vomiting Yellow Liquid
To prevent cat vomiting yellow liquid, you can make adjustments to the cat's daily lifestyle to improve their gastrointestinal health and reduce the frequency of vomiting episodes.
Establish regular feeding times and locations: Develop a consistent feeding schedule and provide a quiet and clean feeding area to minimize eating issues.
Offer multiple small meals: Divide the cat's food into multiple small meals throughout the day, ensuring each meal is appropriately portioned to aid digestion.
Make sure your cat drinks enough water: Ensure the cat has access to an ample supply of water at all times, as proper hydration is crucial for gastrointestinal health.
Control weight and promote exercise: Maintain appropriate weight management for the cat to avoid excessive gastrointestinal burden. Provide regular opportunities for moderate exercise to promote metabolism and digestion.
Use grooming tools/hairball remedies: Regularly groom the cat's fur to prevent and alleviate hairball issues. Consider using cat brushes or hairball remedies.
Regular deworming: Regular deworming helps eliminate parasites that can harm the cat's gastrointestinal tract and maintain digestive system health.
Reduce environmental stressors: When cats experience stress, it can affect gastric acid secretion and digestion. Therefore, create a comfortable and safe living environment, minimizing environmental stressors, which is crucial for maintaining gastrointestinal health.
While it is not uncommon for cats to vomit yellow liquid, it is important to address the issue if it occurs repeatedly or persists. First, pay attention to the color and condition of the vomit and take appropriate measures. Second, take proactive and effective preventive measures from various aspects such as diet and lifestyle to maintain the cat's gastrointestinal health. If the symptoms persist or worsen, seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
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2 August 2024
Desexing Your Pet
Pet desexing is an important topic that revolves around love and health. As pet owners, we often overlook one of the most basic aspects of pet care - getting our pets desexed. With the progress of society, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the significance of desexing and the positive impact on pets.
Basic Concepts of Cat and Dog Desexing
Cat and dog desexing involves the surgical removal of part or all of the reproductive organs. It is a routine procedure usually performed under general anesthesia, and pets typically recover quickly after surgery.
Female Desexing: It involves the removal of the uterus and ovaries. For female dogs and cats, veterinarians need to make a larger incision in their abdomen during the procedure.
Male Desexing: In the surgery, the testicles are removed. The desexing incision for male dogs and cats is usually small and located at the base of the scrotum.
Benefits of Cat and Dog Desexing
Prevention of diseases and improvement of pet lifespan: Desexing has significant benefits for pets. This procedure can reduce the risks of prostate, testicular, uterine, mammary gland diseases, and cancer in cats and dogs. It is a preventive measure that enables pets to live longer and healthier lives.
Behavioral improvement and reduction of aggression: Desexing cats and dogs can effectively reduce the behavior of urine spraying for territorial marking. This behavior not only troubles owners but can also lead to family discord. Neutered pets are usually more docile and less prone to conflict with other animals, further reducing aggression.Unneutered male dogs that are kept indoors for a long time may redirect their energy onto furniture or even humans, which can negatively impact the relationship between the family and the pet. Desexing cats and dogs can effectively reduce such undesirable behaviors, making the family more harmonious.
Control of breeding: Unspayed female dogs go into heat approximately twice a year, during which time they may attract unwanted attention if they go outside. This not only troubles pet owners but can also result in accidental pregnancies.Unspayed female cats, on the other hand, go into heat about four times a year and can give birth to 3 to 6 kittens each time. If these kittens continue to reproduce, the numbers will increase rapidly.Desexing female cats and dogs can prevent such situations from occurring and also help prevent physical and behavioral abnormalities caused by false pregnancies. It also avoids unnecessary breeding and reduces the chances of pets being abandoned or given up for adoption due to difficulties in care.
Preparations Before and After Cat and Dog Desexing
Pre-surgery examination: Pet desexing surgery, like any surgery, carries some risks. To better assess the overall health of the pet and ensure the safety of the surgery, a blood test before anesthesia is an important step. This test mainly evaluates the major organ functions of the pet, such as the metabolic capacity of the liver and kidneys, as well as the normalcy of blood cells, including infection resistance and clotting ability.If the blood test results show that the pet is in good health, you can proceed with the desexing surgery with confidence. However, if potential health issues are indicated, it may be necessary to adjust the anesthesia procedure or further evaluate the pet's condition.
Pre-surgery fasting: All desexing surgeries need to be performed on an empty stomach. Therefore, pet owners should stop feeding their pets the night before the surgery and ensure that the pet has not eaten.
Post-surgery care: After bringing the pet back home on the surgery day, it is recommended to use an Elizabethan collar to prevent the pet from licking the incision. Observations should be made for swelling or discharge from the wound, and it should be kept dry and clean. The pet's activity should be restricted, especially for active pets, and they should be allowed to rest in a crate.
Will Pet Desex Lead to Weight Issues?
Some people are concerned that desexing may increase the risk of obesity in pets. However, if pets receive a balanced diet and regular exercise, desex itself does not increase the risk of obesity. On the contrary, desex can reduce the risk of certain gender-related diseases, allowing pets to enjoy a healthier life.
How Much Does Pet Desexing Cost?
The cost of pet desexing surgery varies depending on the type, size, and gender of the animal. However, compared to the care of related medical expenses, the cost of desexing is reasonable and cost-effective.
When is the Right Time to Get Cats and Dogs Desexed?
Both cats and dogs can be desexed at around five to six months of age since they can start reproducing at this age. Early desex not only helps to control the pet population but also reduces the discomfort experienced by pets during their on heat cycles.
If you have any questions about pet desexing surgery, feel free to contact us for more detailed information and to schedule an appointment. Pet desexing is not only an expression of love for your furry companions but also a contribution to society and your family. Let us work together to promote the health of our pets.
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25 June 2024
How to Take Care of Older Pets?
Here are more basic considerations when caring for older pets:
Vaccinations:
Your pet's vaccination needs may change with age. Talk to your veterinarian about a vaccination protocol that is appropriate for your geriatric pet.
Mental health:
Pets can show signs of senility. Engaging them in interactive play helps keep their mental capacity sharp, just as in people. Changes in behaviour, even subtle ones, can be a sign that your pet is experiencing cognitive dysfunction. Make sure to discuss any concerns with your veterinarian.
Environmental Considerations:
Older pets often need changes in their environment to help cope with changes in mobility. For example, older cats may need to have their food bowls moved to the floor rather than the counter, and dogs may need to have their dog beds moved downstairs if they are having trouble climbing the stairs.
Dental Care:
Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian to look for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.
As your pet heads into their senior years, your relationship will continue to grow and mature. With proper care and attention, your pet can have a good quality of life and enjoy sharing your life for more years.
If your pets are in an emergency or if you have general inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Veterinary Emergency Centre (VEC).
General Hotline: 2334-2334
24-Hour Emergency Hotline: 6828-6620
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28 May 2024
Foreign Body
Dogs and cats are known to eat objects not intended for ingestion. For example, socks, hair bands, toys and string. We call these "foreign bodies". When swallowed, a foreign body enters the stomach. It can stay here or it can start moving through the intestines where it may get stuck and cause an obstruction.
Symptoms:
You may have seen your pet ingest something but if you didn't there are symptoms to look out for. These include lip licking, drooling, vomiting, not eating, tummy pain and not passing faeces.
Diagnosis:
Examination: often there is pain in the tummy or sometimes an obstruction can be palpated.
X-rays: only certain objects such as stone or metal show up on x rays, some foreign bodies will not be seen on an x ray although there may be other clues such as the size and shape of the intestines which may indicate a blockage.
Ultrasound: this is also helpful and can show an obstruction in the intestines.
Treatment:
Induce vomiting: if the foreign body is still in the stomach and is small and soft, the pet can be made to vomit and hopefully bring the object back up. We can't do this in sharp or large objects in case it damages or gets stuck in the oesophagus (food pipe).
Endoscopic removal: this is performed under a general anaesthetic and is only for objects that are still in the stomach. A camera is placed into the stomach and an instrument used to pull out the foreign body. The shape and material of the foreign body may prevent a endoscopic removal being successful.
Surgery: this is performed under general anaesthetic and is for objects in the stomach that are unable to be removed endoscopically or objects that have already moved into the intestines. The abdomen is opened and the stomach or intestine is then opened to remove the object. If the object has been blocked in the intestine for some time, it can cause the guts to die around it, in these cases, some intestine may have to be removed.
How long will my pet need to stay in hospital?
The patient will be treated as a day patient if we can retrieve the foreign body by inducing vomiting or endoscope.
If surgery is required the pet will need to stay in hospital between 3-5 days.
☎️ If your pets are in an emergency or if you have general inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Veterinary Emergency Centre (VEC). General Hotline: 2334-2334 24-Hour Emergency Hotline: 6828-6620
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14 May 2024
Home Care for Congested Heart Failure
Many owners will be worried and panic when they know their fluffy friends have congested heart failure (CHF).
Clinical signs of CHF include coughing, panting, breathing difficulty, weakness, or syncope....etc. It sounds terrible, right? But actually If we take care of the CHF animals properly, it could decrease the frequency of those terrified clinical signs recurring or deteriorating.
What should we do at home?
First, feeding medicines to CHF patients regularly. It’s important to know the CHF could be manageable although it is not curable. Feeding medicines on time could be a cornerstone to control CHF well. We sometimes see the owners not feeding medicines regularly, especially after a well-controlled period, because they usually get used to it and take it lightly. They may miss feeding meds once or twice initially, and then more often until they find the patients have difficulty breathing due to recurrent pulmonary edema or effusion.
Second, heart disease is a progressive disease which means clinical signs will recur even if controlling it with medications regularly. How could we know what’s going wrong with our patients? I will recommend a simple way to monitor it at home. And it is to count sleeping respiratory rate (SRR) at home. Owners could count respiratory rate by watching their animals’ chest. It moves in and out as the dogs and cats breathe. One breath is counted when the chest has moved in and out once. Normal sleeping respiratory rate should be less than 30-40 beats per minute. Be careful, it’s a “sleeping” respiratory rate and thus it should be counted when patients are asleep.
The respiratory rate will increase when patients are nervous, hot, or stressful, therefore, it would be inaccurate when the animals are awake. When you find your animals’ SRR has increased, the first thing to do is to count the breathing rate a few times over the next couple of hours to ensure it is a consistent finding. If the breathing rate is consistently increased, then you need to contact the vets or go to an emergency center as soon as possible.
Third, how about the water intake and which kind of food should I feed the CHF patients? The amount of water intake will not affect the severity of edema in CHF animals. Conversely, owner’s should offer enough water supply to CHF animals. The diuretics will increase the loading of kidney and the kidney parameters will sometimes elevate after long term treatments of diuretics.
The other annoying problem is a picky appetite (anorexia) for CHF patients. Anorexia will cause loss of energy and necessary protein, and wasting of muscle, finally result in cardiac cachexia.
Diet with high-digestible protein is good for CHF patients.
Finally, although CHF is not a curable disease, it could be manageable with the proper home care and regular rechecking with vets.
If the CHF could be controlled well, the life quality of ill animals will be the same as the healthy animals.
☎️ If your pets are suspected or suffering from heart problems, please do not hesitate to contact Veterinary Emergency Centre (VEC) and book an appointment with Dr. David for further check-up.General Hotline: 2334-233424-Hour Emergency Hotline: 6828-6620
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30 April 2024
Vaccinating Kittens: Protecting Our Fur-babies
When it comes to our adorable kittens, their health and well-being are top priorities. That's why the ideal age for their vaccinations is crucial - 8, 12, and 16 weeks old!
At 8 weeks, our furballs get their first set of vaccines, defending them against serious diseases like Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP). At 12 weeks, we reinforce that protection, and again at 16 weeks.
A little post-vaccine downtime is normal. You might notice your kitten feeling a bit tired, having a reduced appetite, or a tiny bit of swelling or tenderness at the injection site. These are good signs, though, showing that their immune systems are gearing up to protect them!
How do vaccines work, you ask?
They introduce a safe form of the disease into your kitten's body, training their immune system to recognize and fight it. So, if they ever encounter the real deal, their body will be ready to tackle it head-on!
Remember, it's essential to consult with your vet to tailor a vaccination plan to your kitten's unique needs and the local disease risks.
Let's keep our kittens healthy, happy, and ready for a lifetime of cuddles!
☎️If you would like to have more information about Kitten Wellness Plan or any general inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Veterinary Emergency Centre (VEC).General Hotline: 2334-233424-Hour Emergency Hotline: 6828-6620
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29 April 2024
FIP in Cats: Symptoms and Prevention
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a serious and potentially fatal disease in cats. It is caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus. In the past, once cats contracted FIP, the chances of recovery were relatively low, but this has improved now. The following will help you understand the causes of FIP infection, symptoms, and prevention methods, so we can work together to protect the health of our cats.
What is Feline Infectious Peritonitis? How is it transmitted?
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is an infectious disease caused by the feline coronavirus, which attacks the cat's white blood cells and severely damages its immune system.
The FIP virus is typically present in cat feces. Healthy cats in contact with contaminated feces are at risk of infection. This virus can spread more easily in multi-cat households, as cats often share toys, food bowls, and litter boxes. However, cats may not show symptoms immediately after infection, and the disease may lie dormant until their immune system is compromised, delaying treatment.
What are the symptoms of Feline Infectious Peritonitis?
FIP can be broadly divided into two types: "wet" and "dry."
Wet (effusive) form: Fluid accumulates in the abdominal or chest cavity, causing noticeable swelling in the abdomen or chest, and may also cause breathing difficulties and loss of appetite.
Dry (non-effusive) form: The virus forms granulomatous lesions within the body, affecting the kidneys, liver, intestines, and nervous system. Symptoms may include loss of appetite, severe vomiting, and seizures.
Here are some common symptoms of feline infectious peritonitis:
Fever
Gastrointestinal issues
Abdominal swelling
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Breathing difficulties
Lethargy
How to Test for and Prevent Feline Infectious Peritonitis
In general, it is difficult to diagnose FIP solely based on symptoms. If you have any questions, owners should promptly take their cats to a veterinary clinic for further testing. Currently, veterinarians diagnose FIP by combining the cat's medical history, clinical symptoms, and various tests and analyses to reach an accurate diagnosis.
Prevention is better than cure. Given the high mortality rate of FIP, it is better to focus on disease prevention and maintain a clean and hygienic living environment for your cat.
Clean the environment
Regularly clean and disinfect litter boxes, food and water bowls, and bedding, and promptly remove feces and urine to help reduce the survival of the virus in the environment.
Prevent contact with sources of infection
Avoid contact between your cat and stray cats, which can reduce the risk of infection. If you have multiple cats at home, avoid sharing toys, food bowls, and litter boxes to reduce the risk of virus transmission.
Vaccination
There are vaccines available for FIP, but their effectiveness is debated. Consult your veterinarian for advice before vaccination.
Additionally, owners should take their cats for regular check-ups to understand their physical condition and promptly identify any health issues. By combining preventive measures and regular check-ups, you can significantly reduce the risk of your beloved cat to suffer from FIP.
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23 April 2024
Using echocardiography in the diagnosis
Sound energy is a vibratory disturbance that moves forward in a wave through a substrate. Sound can travel well in air, solid and liquid mediums. If we yell in a valley, we will hear our voice comes back (echo) in a period. This is similar as how the work of an ultrasound machine. Body tissue just like air or other substrate will absorb some ultrasound energy. The ultrasound machine sends sound waves to a body, and different body tissue reflects different amount of the wave back to the machine, then the computer can calculate and generate the images.
The vets can diagnose the disease by these datas. Why we called the sound waves “ultrasound” is because they can’t be heard by human ears.
Echocardiography can help us to see the structure of a heart and also the beating of the heart. It’s a non-invasive diagnostic tool and useful to know how the condition and function of the heart in a real time. In the same time, we can use echocardiogram to measure the heart and check the direction and velocity of blood flow in a vessel. The trans-thoracic echocardiography also can detect any effusion or fluid inside the chest or lung. Echocardiogram shows vets what kind of the heart disease and how severe it is. In addition, it provides a quantitative data to help us to decide if the patient needs treatment and is also helpful for a periodical monitoring.
Echocardiography is a crucial test in the diagnosis of the heart disease, but it’s not the only one. We can not preform echocardiography in some circumstances, for example, a patient with severe pulmonary edema caused by congestive heart failure. This will not allow the patient lie down and keep still for about 10 minutes. Therefore, echocardiography will not be a priority choice. Vets should try to stabilize the patient and make a temporary diagnosis and treatment plan relied on physical exam, auscultation, or chest x-ray. Performing echocardiography until the condition of the patient becomes more stable is much safer.
Echocardiography has its limitation. Because it is a two-dimensional viewing but the structure of a heart is in a three-dimensional world. Alternatively, we may miss something wrong in a particular view sometimes. In addition, finding a problem of the heart should rely on the result of different tests, like auscultation, physical examination, x-ray, ECG, and echocardiogram … etc.
Fasting is not necessary for the animals who will need echocardiography except they need to be sedated as the excitement or aggression.
☎️ If your pets are in an emergency or if you have general inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Veterinary Emergency Centre (VEC).General Hotline: 2334-233424-Hour Emergency Hotline: 6828-6620
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